This article describes possible interactions with the sertraline tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
To find coupon options for sertraline and to learn more about the drug, including its uses, see this article.
Sertraline comes as tablets and capsules that you’ll swallow. It’s also available as a solution that’s swallowed. However, interactions of sertraline do not vary based on the form of sertraline you’re prescribed.
The sertraline tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
Need a refill for sertraline (Zoloft)? You may be able to get an online prescription through Optum Perks in as little as 15 minutes. Learn more here.
Other drugs and sertraline
Drugs that may interact with the sertraline tablet are listed below. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with sertraline.
Drugs that may interact with the sertraline tablet include:
- anticoagulant drugs:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding as a side effect from sertraline or anticoagulants
- other antidepressant drugs:
- drug examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects from sertraline and other antidepressants
- antiplatelet drugs:
- drug example: clopidogrel (Plavix)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding as a side effect from sertraline or antiplatelet drugs
- antiarrhythmic drugs:
- drug examples: amiodarone (Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace, Sotylize)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm as a side effect from sertraline and antiarrhythmic drugs
- certain antipsychotic drugs:
- drug examples: risperidone (Risperdal, others), haloperidol (Haldol)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm as a side effect from sertraline and antipsychotics
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- drug examples: selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar), linezolid (Zyvox)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects from sertraline and MAOIs
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding as a side effect from NSAIDs or sertraline
- drugs broken down by CYP2D6 (an enzyme in the liver):
- drug examples: atomoxetine (Strattera), dextromethorphan (Delsym)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects from the drugs broken down by CYP2D6
- pimozide:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects from pimozide and sertraline
For more information on some of these interactions, see the “When to avoid sertraline” section of this article.
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Get free cardWhen to avoid sertraline
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with the sertraline tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe sertraline in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for sertraline tablet:
- If you take or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug: If you take or have taken an MAOI drug within the past 14 days, taking sertraline may cause serotonin syndrome (high level of serotonin in your body). This is a rare but serious side effect of sertraline and MAOI drugs. Examples of MAOI drugs include linezolid (Zyvox) and selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar).
- If you take the drug pimozide: If you take pimozide, taking sertraline may cause long QT syndrome (a kind of irregular heart rhythm). This is a rare but serious side effect that both pimozide and sertraline may cause.
- Past allergic reaction to sertraline: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to sertraline in the past, taking the sertraline tablet may cause another allergic reaction.
Before starting treatment with sertraline, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take sertraline.
Alcohol and sertraline
The sertraline tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Taking the sertraline tablet and drinking alcohol may cause:
- slowed reactions
- difficulty paying attention or thinking clearly
- sleepiness
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it during sertraline treatment, talk with your doctor.
Other interactions and sertraline
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether the sertraline tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with sertraline.
Sertraline and supplements
Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid possible interactions.
Sertraline may interact with tryptophan, also called L-tryptophan. This supplement may be used for supporting sleep or mood.
Taking tryptophan and sertraline together may lead to serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition that can happen when there’s too much serotonin in your system. Both sertraline and tryptophan can increase serotonin levels.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Sertraline interactions with herbs
The sertraline tablet may interact with valerian, also called valerian root. This herb may be used to help with sleep.
Taking valerian and sertraline together may lead to sleepiness and fatigue (low energy). It could also cause problems with concentration and making decisions.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking a product that contains valerian during sertraline treatment.
Sertraline interactions with vitamins
The sertraline tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during treatment with sertraline oral tablet.
Sertraline and food
The sertraline tablet isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Note: If you consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, your doctor may recommend that you don’t consume too much. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with sertraline, but this hasn’t been confirmed. (For more details, see the “Questions about sertraline and interactions” section.)
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid during treatment with sertraline oral tablet.
Sertraline and vaccines
The sertraline tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines during treatment with sertraline oral tablet.
Sertraline and lab tests
The sertraline tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests during treatment with sertraline oral tablet.
Sertraline and cannabis or CBD
The sertraline tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with sertraline.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and sertraline
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with sertraline. Before taking the sertraline tablet, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether this medication is right for you.
Here’s a list of some health conditions or other factors that might interact with the sertraline tablet:
- bipolar disorder or mania
- bleeding conditions
- epilepsy or seizures
- glaucoma
- heart conditions, including high blood pressure
- kidney conditions
- liver conditions
- low blood sodium level
- previous stroke
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to sertraline
Questions about sertraline and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about sertraline and possible interactions.
Are there foods to avoid when taking sertraline?
No, in general there aren’t foods to avoid when taking sertraline. However, if you consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, your doctor may recommend that you don’t consume too much.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with sertraline, but this hasn’t been confirmed. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are known to interact with many other medications. But more research into a possible interaction with sertraline is still needed.
If you consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, it’s likely safe to continue doing so while taking sertraline. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information on your risk based on other factors. These include your health history and other medications you may take.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about what foods you can have during sertraline treatment.
Do sertraline and bananas interact?
No, sertraline and bananas do not interact. It’s safe to eat bananas while you’re taking sertraline.
Sertraline works by increasing the level of serotonin in the body. Bananas contain tryptophan, a chemical that can be converted into serotonin in your body. While bananas may increase levels of serotonin, there is little to no evidence that it interacts with sertraline.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about consuming bananas during sertraline treatment. For details about taking sertraline with tryptophan supplements, see the “Other interactions and sertraline” section of this article.
Preventing sertraline interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with sertraline oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug during your sertraline oral tablet treatment.
Taking sertraline exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
Boxed warning for sertraline
Sertraline has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Like other antidepressant drugs, sertraline treatment may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This includes children under ages 18 years and adults under ages 25 years.
Signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors include:
- saying that you ”wish you weren’t alive or hadn’t been born”
- avoiding social contact and interaction with others
- acting riskier in all aspects of life, including consuming alcohol or drugs in excess
This risk is believed to be higher when you first begin treatment and any time the sertraline dosage is changed. It’s thought this risk may decrease as treatment with sertraline continues.
It’s important to note that depression is also a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. (Sertraline is prescribed to treat certain mental health conditions, including depression.)
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.